10 SIMPLE WAYS TO REPAIR DAMAGED HAIR

How to repair damaged hair

Written by Abbi Ryan

Abbi Ryan is a contributing author and a creative director at Dr. J's Natural with a passion for all things health and wellness. As a former college athlete and fellow health enthusiast, Abbi aims to share her thoughts and research about the important things that will help create a happier and healthier lifestyle. In her spare time, Abbi enjoys cooking, spending time with family, and painting new pieces of wall decor for her new home!

February 16, 2022

Hair damage can occur in a variety of ways. Excessive use of styling tools, dry scalp, and bad hair products are just a few examples of how your hair can become brittle and damaged over time. When your hair becomes damaged, the outer structure that protects your hair breaks down, causing your hair to become brittle and prone to splitting or breaking. We want to restore our hair to its natural, radiant glory, and here are 10 simple ways to repair your damaged hair!

1. TRY A HAIR MASK

This is a newly discovered treatment option to both maintain and repair damaged hair. A major cause of damaged hair is that the natural oils have been stripped for your strands and all moisture has been taken away, causing dry, breakable hair. Incorporating a hair mask in your weekly routine to restore moisture while hydrating your scalp, can greatly reduce your breakage and splitting over time. Find a product with plant-based ingredients including protective amino acids, reparative keratin (a protein that helps replenish your hair’s protein supply), and natural oils such as argan oil, coconut oil, or rosehip oil.

2. GET A TRIM REGULARLY

One of the most common solutions to reducing split ends is getting a hair trim regularly. Your hairdresser (& most hair experts) will likely recommend a trim every 6-8 weeks to eliminate those split ends and keep your hair from excess breakage. Trimming your hair every 6-8 weeks can actually help it grow faster and maintain its health! Who knew?!

3. AVOID WASHING YOUR HAIR EVERY DAY

This pro tip is especially true for those with dry hair but can be helpful for all hair types. As previously shown, your hair needs moisture and when we wash our hair, we are stripping away our natural oils, reducing hydration in our scalp. So get familiar with dry shampoo and test washing your hair every 2-3 days at first, which allows your natural oils from your scalp to reach the ends of your hair and fully nourish and maintain a healthy hair structure.

4. CHOOSE A LOOSER HAIRSTYLE

Avoid wearing your hair in a tight bun or ponytail as this can cause increased split ends and breakage at the elastic. Especially avoid tight updos when you’re sleeping at night or while your hair is wet. Try replacing plastic hair ties with scrunchies and add in a claw clip every once in a while for a little change and relief for your hair.

5. ADD IN A HAIR OIL

Natural oils are great additions to your hair care routine that can have a lasting effect on your hair. Stick to plant-based oils such as rosehip oil, coconut oil, jojoba oil, argan/Moroccan oil, and even aloe vera, which all have reparative and bonding properties to restore breaking and splitting hair. Adding oil in your hair after a shower can also provide you with a nice detangler and avoid breaking your hair as you brush.

ways to repair hair infographic

6. LEAVE THE COLOR DYEING TO THE PROS

If you’re going for a dramatic color change in your hair, it is best to go to a professional for this. This is especially important if you are trying to switch to a lighter shade. Bleaching your hair can cause damage to your hair already, and if you are not trained to bleach correctly, you could end up causing more destruction to your hair.

7. AVOID/LIMIT CHLORINE EXPOSURE

Chlorine sucks the natural oils from your scalp and hair ends, adding to the causes of hair brittleness and breakage, and can even alter the color of your hair with increased exposure. There are some easy ways to prevent or reduce this occurrence: first, wet your hair before entering the pool. You may also wear a swim cap or avoid dunking your hair in the chlorine pool to avoid any exposure to this chemical. Adding a hair oil or leave-in conditioner is another great way to limit chlorine exposure and damage your hair. Any leave-in conditioner with nourishing ingredients and a soak in time of at least 10 minutes can reduce your risk of damaged hair due to chlorine.

8. LOWER YOUR HAIR TOOL TEMPERATURE

Hairstyling tools like straighteners, curling irons, and blow dryers are a major cause of hair breakage. Even with the right protectant, it is hard for your hair to avoid damage when exposed to a 350 Degree (Fahrenheit) flattening iron. So lower the temperature on your hair tools, especially if you have thin hair. It can also be smart to add an extra layer of protection with a heat protectant before styling.

Pro Tip: Some hairstyles today don’t require any heat! Look into heatless hairstyles for more ideas that can save your hair!

9. BRUSH SMARTER

Hair Myth: Brushing your hair wet decreases breakage. This is a common misconception because your hair actually has stretch to it and when brushed wet, your hair will expand in length. Hair while it’s wet is at its most vulnerable and more prone to breakage (hence the flyaways). Hair experts recommend you brush your hair when it’s almost dry and to use either a wide-toothed comb or “wet brush”. You may also add a leave-in conditioner or hair oil to your hair before brushing to help with detangling and further nourishment for your mane.

10. TOWEL DRY OR AIR DRY INSTEAD

Blow drying, like most other hair styling tools, can cause immense damage to your hair, drying it out and making it brittle. It is best to put your hair in a towel or cotton t-shirt and allow it to dry slowly. Also, be gentle with the tightness at which you put your hair in the towel or t-shirt as this can cause the same effect as a tight updo will for your hair.

Be gentle with your hair, it is fragile but when cared for properly, it can thrive and grow to be healthy!

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